What does it mean when you buy an unlocked phone on Amazon?

A:

Quick Answer

Locked phones can only connect to one provider's network; unlocked phones can connect to any network if they have the appropriate hardware. Unlocked phones allow users to switch between providers and use international networks.

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Phone service providers sometimes sell locked phones at a discount, as they guarantee a user has to connect to one of their networks. Unlocked phones often cost their full retail price. Users can often unlock phones after a certain period of time with the original provider, but it's important to determine if a phone has the right hardware to connect to a new provider's network before making a switch.